Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro to Thimphu
Your Alkof Holidays representative meets you at Paro airport and drives you toward Thimphu. On the way, you'll stop at Chuzom to see three different styles of stupas where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Once you reach the capital and check into your hotel, take an evening walk around Thimphu's main street to get a feel for the area and see the local market.
- Start point
- Paro, Bhutan (Pick-up from Paro International Airport)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Gakyil Thimphu or similar - Thimphu)
Included Activities
- Visit Chuzom confluence - view Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese stupas
- Exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area
Landmarks Chuzom - Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, you'll check out Thimphu's cultural sites starting with Pangri Zampa Monastery for an astrology session. From there, head to the National Library to see Buddhist manuscripts, then walk through the Painting School (Institute for Zorig Chusum) and Textile Museum. You'll also visit Simply Bhutan living museum and Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple above the city. Later, drive to Buddha Point to spend time at the country's largest Buddha statue and take in the valley views. If time works out, stop by King's Memorial Chorten where locals circumambulate and spin prayer wheels.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Gakyil Thimphu or similar - Thimphu)
Included Activities
- Sightseeing tour of Thimphu
- Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery - astrology session
- National Library visit - Buddhist manuscripts collection
- Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School)
- Textile Museum
- Simply Bhutan - living museum and cultural studio
- Changangkha Lhakhang - fortress-like temple
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) - obeisance and prayers at largest Buddha statue
Optional Activities
- Visit King's Memorial Chorten (if time permits)
Landmarks Pangri Zampa Monastery National Library Institute for Zorig Chusum Textile Museum Simply Bhutan Changangkha Lhakhang Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) King's Memorial Chorten - Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, drive toward Punakha and cross Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters. The 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built by the Queen Mother in 2003 line the route, and on clear days you'll see Bhutan's highest mountains. Once you reach Punakha and settle into your hotel, visit Punakha Dzong with its elaborate temple and traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. Then trek to Chimi Lhakhang on a hillock in the valley center, and walk through neighboring villages to see how locals go about their daily lives.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Kingaling or similar - Punakha)
Included Activities
- Photo break at Dochula Pass (3100m)
- Visit Punakha Dzong - temple with elaborate decoration
- Trek to Chimi Lhakhang - temple of fertility
- Walk through village near temple
Landmarks Dochula Pass Druk Wangyel Chortens Punakha Dzong Chimi Lhakhang - Day 4
Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive back to Paro, crossing Dochula Pass again. Once you check into your Paro hotel, the afternoon is yours to rest or explore at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Resort (Mandala Resort or similar - Paro)
Landmarks Dochula Pass - Day 5
Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest), built on sacred rock where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. According to legend, he arrived on a tigress's back. The hike takes about 2 hours at a regular pace and gives you great views of the valley. The main temple was destroyed by fire in 1998 and rebuilt by 2001. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong (now the National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drugyel Dzong.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Resort (Mandala Resort or similar - Paro)
Included Activities
- Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest)
- Visit Ta Dzong - National Museum
- Visit Rinpung Dzong
- Visit Kichu Lhakhang
- Visit Drugyel Dzong
Landmarks Taktsang Monastery Ta Dzong Rinpung Dzong Kichu Lhakhang Drugyel Dzong - Day 6
Departure from Paro
After breakfast, your Alkof Holidays representative transfers you to Paro airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
- End point
- Paro, Bhutan (Drop-off at Paro International Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast
